(First off, thanking you for reading. Secondly, this thread is made mostly for me to have a sort of dream roster. So HYPER REALISM is not exactly key. Third, this is clearly very much inspired by 619’s thread, so if you notice some similarities, I apologize in advance.)

July 17, 2011

CM Punk and John Cena main event one of the most anticipated shows in the past few years, Money in the Bank in Chicago. The hype was not only built around the fact that CM Punk was the hometown hero, but the fact that Punk had cut the now infamous “pipe bomb” promo lambasting numerous employees and aspects in and of the WWE, calling out perceived politics and direction of the company. The majority of adult fans and hardcore fans had taken a liking to Punk’s new anti-hero character that voiced a lot of legitimate complaints many fans had with the current product. Another compelling selling point was the fact that CM Punk’s contract was legitimately ending after Money in the Bank concluded. For the first time in many years, it wasn’t taboo to be a fan of pro wrestling. The only negative was that CM Punk’s contract was legitimately up after Money in the Bank, but there was no way that the WWE could not resign him right? Wrong. At Money in the Bank, John Cena and CM Punk we’re well on their way to a classic when Vince McMahon and John Lauranaitis walked out and “rang the fuckin’ bell” whilst Cena had the STF applied. The finish actually led to a reaction similar to the infamous Montreal Screwjob, as the crowd nearly legitimately rioted. Cena looked confused and Punk walked up the ramp, downtrodden as a mix of “Bullshit!” and “CM Punk!” chants filled the arena. Punk stopped at the top of the ramp and gave one last wave to his fellow Chicago-ans, before heading out the arena and out the company.

July 24, 2011

As a feud began between Cena and the “establishment” on TV, the stench of disappointment reeked throughout the wrestling world. Many wrestling fans (casuals, celebrities, and especially the IWC) wondered aloud of what could’ve been had the WWE have swallowed their pride, re-signed Punk and let him win. Meanwhile, CM Punk went home and sat on his couch in Chicago…

July 27, 2011

One day after the horrible numbers for Destination X, Dixie Carter and Panda Energy drop a huge bombshell (And after the past month’s events, that’s saying something). Effective immediately, they would be selling TNA and all its assets to Eric Bischoff, Jeff Jarrett and a small group of investors. The impact (no pun intended) was felt immediately as many major TNA superstars opted out of their contracts including Kurt Angle (due to his personal history with Jarrett) and AJ Styles (due to Bischoff and Hogan’s fascination with “big guys”). Joining them will be Christopher Daniels and Austin Aries. Others that have the option to opt out are weighing their options. The Carter family indicated that they might be interested in another project involving pro wrestling. And just to add to the chaotic news day, Randy Orton was suspended for violating the wellness policy for a second time. In the meantime, CM Punk sat on his couch at in Chicago…

August 1, 2011

Phil Brooks sat in his house in Chicago. It had been two weeks since he left his job. A job that, truth be told, he had a love-hate relationship with. He loved what he did, but hated who he did it for. Phil had been working non-stop for the past 6 years and had not had much of a vacation at all during that time. So he sat on his couch, one Monday evening, eating Chinese food, and flipping through the channels, trying to enjoy his vacation. Trying being the operative word, as Phil was discovering that since this vacation had started, something was nagging him. He’d been trying to figure out what it was. He had a very nice home, he had saved his money, and he had a beautiful girl, so conceivably he didn’t really have to do anything for the rest of his life. This is the kind of life anybody would want. Hell, this was the kind of life he always wanted. Yet, something continued to eat at him and even more frustratingly, he couldn’t put his finger on it.

As Phil tried watching whatever was on the TV, he flipped the channel back to the USA Network for the fourth time in the past hour. Even though he was no longer employed, Phil couldn’t help but check on his former workplace. Despite his best attempts, Phil couldn’t seem to distance himself from his now former work. Suddenly, the buzzer to his front gate sounded, breaking Phil out of his deep thought. Phil walked up to his receiver, his box of chow mein in hand, and pressed the button.

“Who is it? If you’re here to sell me anything or hire me for anything, please fuck off.” Phil said nonchalantly, shuffling through his food with his chop sticks.

“What if it’s both?” inquired the voice on the other end. Phil swore he recognized the voice, but couldn’t put his finger on it.

“Depends on who it’s for…” answered Phil.

“A friend,” the man responded.

“Wrong answer” said Phil, “I have no friends.”

Phil, satisfied with his smarmy and sarcastic answer, began to walk back toward his couch.

“Will you just open the fucking door? It’s Paul. Jesus Christ…”

Phil stopped in his tracks. What the hell is Paul doing here? he thought. He walked back up to the receiver, contemplating his options with his tongue pressing against his bottom lip. Paul was a good friend who had helped Phil many times in the past. But Paul also had a reputation of being extremely manipulative. A reputation, that Phil had to admit, wasn’t undeserved.

“So….” Said Paul on the other end, “You gonna let me in?”

Phil finally relented and hit the buzzer to open the gate.

“It’s open,” said Phil.

He walked back and plopped down on his couch wondering what Paul could want. He obviously didn't fly all the way to Chicago just to say hi and there was probably a reason he didn’t call first either. What did he mean when he said he wanted to sell Phil something and hire him as well? Sell him what? Hire him for what? Once more Phil’s state of deep thought was interrupted by Paul’s arrival, this time via a knock on his door. Phil sat upright and suddenly noticed the channel was still on USA Network. Phil desperately looked for the remote as Paul knocked again.

“Just a minute!” said Phil as he finally found the remote and quickly changed it to TBS. Phil then opened his door and saw his longtime friend Paul. Paul greeted his friend with a big hug. As Phil walked back to his couch, he told Paul “Well, make yourself comfortable.” Phil sat on his couch, his arms spread over the back and his legs open wide while Paul found a recliner and tentatively sat down leaning forward. This was not the only strong contrast between both men as Paul wore a suit and dress shoes, Phil lounged around the house in a Cubs baseball cap, sandals, shorts, and a t-shirt. Paul then looked at the TV and snickered.
“Never took you as a guy who watches old repeats of Friends” said Paul.

“Huh?” Phil said confused and then turned to see Phoebe, Ross and Rachel all on his TV, “Oh, I was just flipping through some channels, looking for something to watch.” Phil bullshitted.

Paul smiled and continued to scan the room, fixating on the numerous empty Chinese food containers on the coffee table in front of Phil’s couch. Phil noticed Paul’s wandering eyes.

“Yeah, if I knew you were coming I would have whipped you up something to eat,” Phil joked. Paul openly laughed at Phil’s suggestion.

“Well,” Paul said finishing his survey of the room, “Good to see the single life hasn’t changed you any.” Phil was confused and was about to correct his friend when he realized he wasn’t talking about his relationship status, he was talking about his employment status. Phil finally decided to cut to the chase.

“Listen Paul, I know you didn’t come all the way here to shoot the shit. What do you want?”

“Well… like I said. I have… something of a proposition for you,” said Paul.

“Go on,” said Phil, fully ready to shoot it down.

“How would you like to join… my new promotion,” asked Paul.

Phil and Paul looked at each other blankly for a moment, Paul’s job offer hanging in the air. Suddenly, Phil broke out in hysterical laughter. He leaned his head back and let out a hearty belly laugh. He stood up, still chuckling walked up to his friend and patted Paul on the back.

“Sorry you wasted the money for a plane ticket, just call next time” said Phil as he walked toward his fridge to grab something to drink. Paul didn’t seemed deterred by the answer, moreover it seemed like he expected it. He got up and followed Phil to the kitchen.

“Aren’t you going to ask any questions about how I have a promotion? Or how much you’ll be paid?” asked Paul.

“Nope,” said Phil as he opened his fridge and pulled out a Diet Pepsi.

“Nope” said Phil as he made his way back to the living room. Paul followed like a lost puppy.

“You haven’t considered going to ROH, or New Japan, or TNA?” Paul asked.

“No, no, and fuck no,” replied Phil.

“And you wouldn’t even consider the offer that myself and the Carters are prepared to give you?”

“How many times do I have to say n- Wait, did you just say you and the Carters?” Phil asked, confused. He turned and saw the grin on Paul’s face as Paul looked back and saw the genuine intrigue on his face. Shit Phil thought, I walked right into to that one.

“Oh did I forget to mention?” said Paul, clearly full of shit, “I have the financial backing of the Dixie Carter and Panda Energy.”

“How the fuck did you manage that?” asked Phil.

“Well…” said Paul, “Let’s just say I can be very persuasive.”

“Wait, I thought you said this was your promotion” said Phil, cocking one eyebrow.

“Well, it’s my promotion by proxy,” replied Paul matter-of-factly.

Phil shook his head and sat back down on his couch, still sipping his soda. Paul remained standing.

“Listen… every time I’ve talked to you for the past 6 years, all you tell me is about how you wish things in this business were different. Now you have a chance to make a difference, and you just gonna sit here and watch the world pass you by?” implored Paul.

Phil sighed and looked down for a second.

“Listen Paul, even if I said yes… what then? I mean the Carters don’t exactly have a good history when it comes to running a wrestling company and you don’t even have a TV deal plus-” Phil stopped mid-sentence as he noticed a very large smile come across Paul’s face.

“You have a TV deal?” Phil asked. Paul didn’t answer instead keeping the broad smile that was akin to a cat having swallowed a canary.

“What is it? HDnet, truTv… Disney Channel?” asked Phil sarcastically.

“How about ESPN?” replied Paul, matter-of-factly.

That caused Phil to raise his eyebrows.

“ESPN? Are you fucking serious?” said Phil, clearly amazed and impressed.

“Well, ESPN2, with ESPN being available once per month for larger events.” replied Paul.

Phil leaned his head back and sighed deeply. Paul could see he was close, but then Phil leaned forward and looked Paul in the eye.

“Listen Paul, I appreciate the offer, but I’m done. I’m fine with doing nothing for the rest of my life but sitting on this couch and watching the Cubs play,” said Phil.

Paul just looked at Phil and chuckled to himself.

“You are so full of shit,” Paul said “You’re not only trying to lie to me, you’re trying to lie to yourself.”

“How do you kno-”

“Because I know you!” interrupted Paul. “Because I know when you are happy and right now you certainly aren’t happy. Let me guess… you been sitting here just trying to lock yourself out from the rest of the world. Trying to leave all you’ve done in the past. Trying to convince yourself that you have no unfinished business. That sound about right?” asked Paul.

“Listen, I can’t blame you for wanting to just leave it all behind. When you doing something so much, when it’s something you dream about doing for your entire life, when you put your blood, and your sweat, and your tears into something… it can be extremely painful when someone tries to make it unenjoyable for you, when someone tries to crush your dreams, when someone tries to tell you no, to your passion. Believe me, I know,” said Paul glaring down at Phil.

“But this right here, this is a rare opportunity to do something about it. This our chance to look all those doubters like Stephanie, like Vince in the eye and tell them “Fuck you!” Fuck you, for trying to destroy this business we love! Fuck you, for trying to make us conform to your corporate bullshit! Fuck you… for trying to ruin our dream!” Paul yelled, his voice becoming louder and his tone, more passionate. Phil finally turned and looked Paul dead in the eye.

“You’re wrong,” Phil said “I don’t give a shit about that business anymore.”

“Really?” Paul asked. He grabbed the television remote, as Phil tried to grab first but was to slow on the draw. Without looking Paul pressed “LAST” on the remote and the channel turned to the USA Network. Phil once more glanced down.

“It’s not wrong to feel the way you do. Just like, it’s not wrong for you to miss it. This is your chance to fix this business, your chance to make this fun again,” said Paul.

“Hold on,” said Phil, looking back up at Paul, “This still doesn’t add up, you were able to convince both ESPN and the Carters to buy into this promotion you’re trying to build. Now, Paul I know you’re as good a bullshitter as anybody, but not even you could pull that off. So how did you get them to buy in?”

Paul just smirked in the way only he could. “Let’s just say I told them I have a very special friend who happens to be hottest thing since sliced bread.”

“So you’re telling me that they’re willing to give you all this money because of me?” Phil asked skeptically.

“For once, you drastically underrate yourself my friend,” said Paul “For the first time in a decade the most powerful man in this business is not named Vincent Kennedy McMahon, his name is Phillip Jack Brooks,” Paul declared. Phil looked at Paul, befuddled by that previous statement.

“Y’see for the past few years the WWE has been trying to knock down this door known as mainstream. A door that has been opened for them in the past by the likes of Hulk Hogan and Steve Austin, but now was seemingly sealed shut. No matter what battering ram they used, Dave Batista, Rey Mysterio, Brock Lesnar, Triple H, and especially John Cena, they couldn’t knock this door down,” explained Paul.

“Then, one day a golden key to that door, that had been in their possession for six years began to shine extremely bright and guess what? They let it slip through their hands.” Paul said while mimicking the action he was describing. “I don’t think you understand the gravity of what you’ve done, imagine Bruno Sammartino walking out after his first two years as champion, imagine Hulk Hogan bolting after Hulkamania began to run wild, imagine Steve Austin leaving after Wrestlemania 14,” said Paul. Phil just sat there, letting Paul’s words sink in.

“Listen, what you have is something intangible. It’s esoteric. No matter how hard Vince McMahon and his stooges try to artificially create it they can’t. You have a connection to these people that Vince can’t comprehend. And ironically, that connection is your frustration with what this business has become thanks to Vince McMahon and Kevin Dunn.

“But these things have a very small window of opportunity. Hulk Hogan and Steve Austin happened at the perfect time, and you need to as well. We have to strike while the iron is hot, and this sucker is on fire right now. Not just because of you, but the wrestling business as a whole. Vince is totally unprepared for a war and why not? Money in the Bank did great numbers, and wrestling is on the upswing right now. TNA is looking to him like it’s about to bottoms up with Bischoff at the helm. The only reason he let you walk without giving you more money and the title is because he thinks you have no where you can go that could possibly hurt him. But he has no clue that this is coming.”

Phil sighed deeply, trying to convince himself that it wasn’t as good an idea as it sounded as Paul continued his speech.

“Listen, we’ve got talent lining up at the door. Not just the guys who have the opt-out clause on their TNA deals, but WWE guys who are frustrated with the same shit you are. Dave Finlay and William Regal have already told me they’re willing to opt-out and all of their developmental guys are on open contracts, meaning we can sign them right up, and word has it that when Bryan’s contract is up in November, he might not resign. Not to mention all the indy guys who’re salivating at the chance to perform on the big stage.

“I’m not saying we can knock Vince off the mountain, but there never has been nor will there ever be a better opportunity to do it then right now,” said Paul “Maybe we can’t do it, maybe I’m crazy, but dammit I know that we can damn sure give him a good kick in the ass!”

Paul looked Phil right in the eyes.

“But it all hinges on you… so I ask you…. CM Punk… what do you intend to do now? Do you sit here on your couch in Chicago or do you help me try and save the wrestling business?”

Phil and Paul locked eyes, Phil’s face completely deadpan as they stare for a few tense moments. Phil glanced briefly at the television and saw both John Cena and Vince McMahon coincidently having a stare down that was akin to the one Phil was having with Paul. Phil locked eyes with Paul again, but still didn’t answer. Instead, he picked up his phone and made a call. Phil kept his eyes on Paul’s as the phone rang on the other end. Finally the caller answered.

“Hello?” said the caller on the other end.

“Hey Colt…” said Phil who then looked at Paul, before letting out a smirk. “Me and Paul E. got this crazy idea we wanted to run by you…”

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Over the course of the next few months, the announcement of a new promotion swept the wrestling world. Immediately, they signed major names like Kurt Angle, Chris Jericho, AJ Styles, and most surprisingly: Dave Batista. They also weren’t afraid of the WWE, signing longtime vets Dave Finlay and William Regal. They also signed numerous members of WWE developmental talent including Tyler Black and Claudio Castagnoli. Vince McMahon immediately attempted to sign everyone on the FCW roster to a written contract; those who declined were immediately released. Among those released, the ones getting the most looks from Heyman and Co. were Joe Anoai’ and Jon Moxley. Numerous TNA wrestlers also opted out including Rob Van Dam and Austin Aries, in order to join the new promotion. With their television debut set for September 28th on ESPN, the World Wrestling Association is gaining steam...

(News and roster updates coming soon, feedback would be greatly appreciated. Remember I operate under the code of REVIEW4REVIEW)

WWA.COM BREAKING NEWS: TOURNAMENT ANNOUNCED TO DETERMINE FIRST WWA WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION

WWA Commissioner Paul Heyman announced today that an eight-man tournament will take place to determine the inaugural World Wrestling Association World Champion. The tournament will take place on the first few episodes of WWA Warzone on ESPN2, culminating in the final match taking place on Saturday October 29, with WWA's first ever mega event WWA Showdown on ESPN.

"We here in the World Wrestling Association feel this the best way to determine a new champion," says Heyman, "Of course, this being the WWA, this is no traditional tournament."

What the commissioner is referring to is the fact that none of the brackets will be known before hand. No one other than Paul Heyman will know the participants of each match before it starts.

"No scouting, no preparing, just you and your opponent," says Heyman

The 8 participants will all be former World Champions:

CM PUNK3x WWE World Champion
1x ROH World Champion

Over the past few months, CM Punk has become pro wrestling's biggest sensation. Punk has never been soft spoken, but his recent tirades bashing the current landscape of professional wrestling in the United States have garnered the attention of both the media and the wrestling fan alike. Now instead of talking about fixing the wrestling business, Punk has come to the WWA to do something about it.

Of course, as great as Punk is on the mic, he's even better in the ring. CM Punk has been wrestling for over a decade working for numerous independent companies, including Ring of Honor. Despite many detractors questioning whether he could be succesful in the WWE, he proved the detractors wrong becoming a World Champion three times over and becoming the fastest Triple Crown winner in the companies history. Now Punk is set to prove to the world, once again, that he is, in his words, the best in the world.

KURT ANGLE6x WWE World Champion
5x TNA World Champion

The only Olympic gold medalist in professional wrestling history, Kurt Angle's resume speaks for itself. An eleven-time World Champion, Angle has established himself as one of the best in the game, not just right now, but in all of pro wrestling history. Despite all of his success, Angle's competitive fire never dies. Even at the age of 43, Angle can still hang with anyone in the ring and his vaunted Ankle Lock submission hold is one the most feared in all of wrestling.

No matter where he's been, no matter how much he's hurt, and no matter who he's competing against; Kurt Angle has always dominated. Now he's got his eyes set on the WWA and the WWA World Heavyweight Championship. The rest of the locker had better beware...

BATISTA6x WWE World Champion

At 6'6 and 275 pounds, you'll be hard pressed to find anybody on planet Earth as intimidating as Dave Batista. Add a natural killer instinct and a mean streak a mile long, and it's not hard to see why this man is known as "The Animal". Batista is a 6-time World Champion for good reason, though if you want another reason, just ask him. He'll gladly tell you. Batista's confidence isn't without merit, for 7 years, he dominated the WWE like no one has ever seen. Now, after a year hiatus from pro wrestling, Batista is back with a vengeance and ready to become something he's very familiar with being: a world champion.

CHRIS JERICHO6x WWE World Champion
WWE record for most Intercontinental Championship reigns

Cocky, underrated, conceited, talented, arrogant, exciting, condescending. There are many words that can be (and have been) used to describe Chris Jericho, but there one word that rings truest: winner. Jericho has performed all around the world from Germany to Mexico to Japan to ECW to WCW to WWE. And everywhere he's gone, Chris Jericho, by hook or crook, has won. Despite being looked at by Jericho as peons, many fans have to admit that the self-proclaimed "savior" has established quite a hall of fame resume for himself. Now Jericho looks to add another World Championship to his collection, for his legacy and for his ego.

ROB VAN DAM1x WWE World Champion
1x ECW World Champion

Obviously no stranger to working for Paul Heyman, Rob Van Dam has been a fan favorite for years for his laid back attitude and high-flying athleticism. RVD started out as an cult favorite in ECW during the 90s before bringing his extreme style to the WWE in the 90s. There, RVD proved his detractors wrong, showing that he could hang with the big boys. in 2006, RVD finally shook the moniker of "the greatest wrestler never to be World Champion" when he became the first man to hold the WWE and ECW Championship simultaneously. Now "Mr. Wednesday Night" has his sight set on the WWA World Heavyweight Championship...

One of the greatest athletes in professional wrestling, AJ Styles has become known as one of the greatest pro wrestlers in the entire world. In 2010, Pro Wrestling Illustrated named ranked him #1 in their annual PWI 500 list. After many years in TNA, AJ Styles has arrived in the WWA to prove that he can be just a phenomenal on the biggest stage.

On paper, Samoa Joe's accomplishments may look rather blase compared to his fellow tournament participants, however anyone who has seen Joe in action knows to believe the hype. Joe has two of the most impressive streaks in pro wrestling history. In Ring of Honor, Samoa Joe held the ROH World Heavyweight Championship for 21 months and in TNA he went 18 months without losing a single match. Now the "Samoa Submission Machine" looks to run wild on the WWA and leave bodies in his wake on his path toward the WWA World Heavyweight Championship.

TYLER BLACK1x ROH World Champion

The youngest and least experienced man in this tournament is Tyler Black. Black is a young up-and-comer who shocked the world when he won the ROH World Title at a young age. Black is also the only man in the tournament with no history with any of the other participants. Could that work towards Black's advantage? Could he have possibly shock the world again?

The first two matches of the tournament will take place on the debut episode of WWA Warzone on September 28th.

Seems very clear that you have a well thought out plan here with your opening post and subsequent update on the rosters. 619 is certainly a big timer around here when it comes to created fed BTBs, so you definitely picked a good one to be inspired by.

The roster so far jumps out at me as one that catches my interest, so you've got yourself a reader. Look forward to further updates.

- On Raw in Oklahoma City this past Monday, Jim Ross was fired on television in a segment with John Lauranitis. Ross was not informed of this segment (as is the case with numerous of his segments involving him in Oklahoma City, most of which are aimed to humiliate him.) Ross quickly exited the ring, not showing any emotion, and walked backstage. He them promptly walked up to Vince McMahon and quit. Despite what had just happened, McMahon was said to have been dumbfounded. Ross then signed with the WWA just hours after the incident. Vince McMahon is reportedly furious with Ross and has made sure his name is not mentioned on WWE broadcasts as well as confiscating fan signs with Ross' name on them. Ross is expected to be the lead commentary man for WWA Warzone and their "mega events" on ESPN, as well as running talent operations with Paul Heyman.

- It appear the WWA has already signed his fellow commentators with the signing of former ROH and TNA talent, Nigel McGuinness. McGuinness is retired from full-time in-ring competition and was offered the job by Heyman himself. Heyman pitched the idea to ESPN execs, who like the idea of a former wrestler color commentator. Keeping with the sports-flow motif, the WWA will also utilize the talents of newly signed ESPN commentator Gus Johnson. Johnson, who was just recently brought back to the network from FOX, is said to be there to implement the "sports-feel" that ESPN wants the show to have. Johnson is said to have been watching a lot of old wresting footage as well as working with Jim Ross to prepare. Here is a sample of one of Johnson's more famous calls:

- The plan is to have to have 4 championships: A light heavyweight, a tag team, a "pure" wrestling title, and of course, the previously announced World Heavyweight Championship. The "Pure" title is expected to be influenced by ROH's title of the same name and emphasize technical wrestling as well as appease the "Sports element" that ESPN desires.

- Another ESPN talent who will be used is none other than Erin Andrews. She will be used for a weekly sit-down interview segment on WWA.com as well as an interviewer for WWA mega events on ESPN. Amy Dumas (CM Punk's girlfriend) has also been hired as an interviewer. It's expected she will use her real name and not Lita.

- WWA will run one house show a month and will go on the road as well. However, they will keep the touring local by month (Ex. The New York area one month and the Northwest another month). There shows will also be recorded live.

An update or two left and then a preview for the first episode coming guys, thanks!